Species: Peacock fly - unnamed 1 (Sphenella marginata)
Family: Peacock flies (TEPHRITIDAE)
Category: Insects (Other)
Location: NW
A. Insects (Other)
More extensive information on insects can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Peacock flies (TEPHRITIDAE)
The Tephritidaeis one of two families commonly called fruit flies. The Drosophilidae family are the 'common fruit flies' (used extensively in laboratories for genetic research), but these Tephritidae are sometimes called Peacock flies to distinguish them from their more famous relatives.
As a rule, members of this family of flies have elaborate and colourful wing markings.
Females lay eggs in living, healthy plant tissue, which the larvae feed on upon emerging. Adults have a short lifespan, often of less than a week.
C. Peacock fly - unnamed 1 (Sphenella marginata)
These flies are closely associated with Common Ragwort, because females lay their eggs inside the plant's flowers. The developing larvae mine their way deeper inside the flower head, causing a 'gall' or deformity in the flower's appearance.
They can be found between June and September, more so in southern Britain than elsewhere in the UK.
Images
Peacock fly - unnamed 1 (Sphenella marginata)
These flies are closely associated with Common Ragwort, because females lay their eggs inside the plant's flowers. The developing larvae mine their way deeper inside the flower head, causing a 'gall' or deformity in the flower's appearance.
(Photo credit: Stuart MA Ball.)
